Morocco Off The Beaten Track Tour – 10 Days Itinerary
Marrakech, Morocco
Duration
10 days
Tour Type
Overview
Included/Exclude
- 9 nights Accommodation in Morocco
- Breakfasts & Dinners
- Airport Solo Two-Ways Transfers
- Daily pick up and drop off from and to your hotel Professional driver
- Speaking english guide
- Transportation with 4WD vehicle (Modern Toyota Prado)
- Pool chill moments in 3 stars accommodation
- Luggage service to all accommodations
- The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish Daily mineral water in the car
- Meals not referred above (Lunch)
- Extra activities not referred to itinerary: Spa treatments, Quads in Sahara...
- Tips/Staff gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Personal costs and souvenirs
Tour Plan
On the third day, your journey begins in the beautiful Dades Valley as you head towards the spectacular Todra Gorges, renowned for their towering limestone cliffs and breathtaking scenery. After exploring the gorges, you'll continue through the desert landscape to the historic town of Rissani, the last stop before the vast Sahara. Here, you can visit the local market and learn about the region's rich history. Your adventure then takes you to Merzouga, the gateway to the iconic Erg Chebbi Dunes. As the sun sets, you'll venture on a camel ride across the golden dunes, culminating in an unforgettable night under the stars in a traditional desert camp, experiencing the magic of the Sahara.
We will continue through our off-road trails. You will be surprised by the small, traditional villages that you will visit. This is part of the famous Paris Dakar road.
We can stop and spend some time in the traditional communities and in the inhabited oases, when we make local friends and share experiences. During the day you can take a walk in the dunes alone or accompanied by our guide.
You will spend the evening in the heart of the oasis of Draa. Dinner and accommodation in Zagora.
The adventure today will take you on an exploration of the desert and cultural immersion tour. You will travel south toward Tamegroute from Zagora, a village in Morocco that is tucked away on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Famous for its centuries-old pottery customs, this medieval community is also home to the prestigious Zaouia Naciria Library, which houses an amazing collection of antiquated manuscripts. On your way further, you will stop in Ksar Nesrate, a lesser-known gem that offers an insight into rural Moroccan life with its typical mud-brick architecture and peaceful environment.
From there, your journey takes you farther into the desert and across more difficult terrain until you arrive at Erg Chigaga, a wide stretch of sand dunes that perfectly captures the unadulterated splendor of the Sahara. Here, among the tall golden sand dunes, you will experience a stunning sunset that turns the surrounding desert into an orange and gold canvas, leaving you in awe. A really immersive experience, camping beneath the stars and in the stillness of the desert allows you to connect with the ancient rhythms of the Sahara and appreciate the wild beauty of the natural world.
Overnight in Luxury desert camp.
On the seventh day of your off-the-beaten-path tour, you leave Erg Chigaga and say goodbye to the magnificent Saharan sand dunes. Traveling through the expansive Lake Iriki, a seasonal salt flat set in the middle of the desert, is part of the experience. The infinite horizon creates a bizarre background for your investigation here. You will come across nomadic tribes as you travel across the difficult terrain, and you might even spot some animals that has adapted to live in the harsh desert.
If you keep going, you'll eventually reach the isolated settlement of Foum Zguid, which is encircled by craggy mountains and barren plains. Travelers visiting the area should not miss Foum Zguid, which is a must-visit place despite its remote location and provides an intriguing look into traditional Berber life. Your journey comes to an end when you arrive at Tata, a quaint oasis town encircled by views of the desert and sheltered by palm groves. Here, you may relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere while thinking back on the breathtaking vistas and cultural experiences that have shaped your off-the-beaten-path exploration of Morocco's desert wilderness.
This day's adventure begins in Tata and takes you through the beautiful Ait Mansour Valley, where lush palm groves and jagged mountains combine to create an exquisite tapestry of natural beauty. You will be spellbound by the utter majesty of the towering cliffs and the peace of the serene oases scattered across this gorgeous area as you travel through it. Proceeding straight ahead, you will reach the well-known Painted Rocks of Jean Vérame close to Tafraoute. The striking contrast between these distinctive geological structures and the desert backdrop, embellished in vivid pink, crimson, and blue hues, creates an eerie and fascinating image.
You will be taken to a realm where art and nature coexist together as you examine these fascinating works of art carved into the organic canvas; the experience will remain seared in your memory. After a day full of breathtaking natural treasures, you'll find yourself immersed in the beauty of Tafraoute, a Berber village surrounded by rocky mountains and rich in cultural legacy. Tafraoute makes the ideal backdrop for introspection and relaxation as you wind down after your excursion.
Dinner and overnight in Tafraoute.
After breakfast, we continue our Morocco experience through Taroudant called the “little Marrakech” because of the vast, intact city walls surrounding it. Taroudant is also famous for its silver jewellery. It is here that you spend the night after crossing the mountain roads along slopes full of argane trees.
Enclosed within red-ochre ramparts and encircled by orchards, orange groves and olive trees, Taroudant has all the appeal of an old Moroccan fortified town. It was occupied by the Almoravids in 1056 and in the 16th century became the capital of the Saadians, who used it as a base from which to attack the Portuguese in Agadir. Although the Saadians eventually chose Marrakech as their capital, they made Taroudant wealthy through the riches of the Souss plain, which included sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo.
Dinner and overnight in Taroudant.
After breakfast in Taroudant we drive back to Marrakech via Tizi N’Test pass that was built by the French in the 1930s. After admiring lanscapes of the Tizi N’Test, we will drive 1h20 to reach and visit Tin Mal Mosque in an isolated setting at the foot of the Atlas, it is the last remaining sign of the Almohad conquest in the 12th century.
Tin Mal, once a fortified holy town, was founded by the theologian Ibn Toumart in 1125. From here, he fomented a holy war against the Almoravids and was recognized as a religious leader by the Berber tribes of the High Atlas. Lunch might be in Ijoukak before reaching Marrakech at the late evening.
Dinner and accommodation on your own.
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5
Our Morocco off the beaten track tour was nothing short of enchanting. Guided by the knowledgeable and friendly Ismail, we delved into the heart of Morocco’s wilderness. The 10 days was perfectly planned, offering a balance of adventure and relaxation. The vast Sahara dunes, the picturesque Ait Mansour valley, and the historic granaries of the Anti-Atlas were all incredible highlights. We cherished the moments spent in traditional Berber camps, under a sky full of stars. This journey gave us a deeper appreciation for Morocco’s rich heritage and natural beauty. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a unique and immersive Moroccan experience.
5
Our Morocco off the beaten track tour exceeded all expectations. Ismail was fantastic guide, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for their country. We explored areas that felt untouched by time, from the majestic dunes of Erg Chigaga to the hidden canyons and valleys of the Anti-Atlas. The traditional Berber camps were a highlight, offering comfort and an authentic cultural experience. The hospitality of the Berber communities was heartwarming, and we felt privileged to be part of their world, even if just for a short while. This journey was more than a vacation; it was a profound and enriching experience. We can’t recommend it enough.
5
Traveling with Ismail was like exploring Morocco with family. Their warmth and knowledge made our 10-day itinerary truly special. We ventured far from the usual tourist spots and discovered the real essence of Morocco. The untouched sand dunes, the ancient Berber granaries, and the serene oases of the Anti-Atlas were highlights of our trip. We loved engaging with the local communities and learning about their way of life. The memories we made on this journey will stay with us forever. If you want an authentic Moroccan experience, this is the trip for you.
5
Our 10 days adventure through Morocco off the beaten track was absolutely unforgettable. Ismail and Mustapha were exceptional guides, providing deep insights into the Berber culture and the natural beauty of the Sahara and Anti-Atlas. We felt completely immersed in the local traditions, from savoring delicious local cuisine to spending nights in traditional Berber camps under the stars. The journey through the Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi dunes was breathtaking, and the Ait Mansour valley was a hidden paradise. This trip was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. We highly recommend it!